초록
Six patients with flail chest were performed operative stabilization with Judet`s Struts.The indications of opertive stabilization were exploratory thoracotomy or laparotomy in 4 patients, and severe chest pain due to displaced ribs which deteriorated respiratory pattern and gas exchange in 2 patients. After operation, all patients became comfortable and complained less pain.Two patients restored spontaneous breathing without ventilator therapy and 2 patients were ventilated during 4 days and 5 days, respectively.There were no morbidity and mortality related to operative stabilization.